How to Cut Home Heating Costs This Winter

To play air leak detective, hold a lit stick of incense in front of windows and doors while inside. Horizontal smoke indicates less-than-airtight closures. Or dampen the back of your hand and run it around door frames to feel for cool outside air that’s making its way in. You can also use a handheld thermal leak detector. These same techniques will reveal air leaks near sinks and toilets, electrical outlets, attic hatches, and ceiling fixtures. “Can lights in your ceiling can funnel heated air right out of your home,” Zarker says.

Now that you’ve identified leaky spots, seal them up. Start by adding inexpensive weather stripping or caulking to doors and window frames that need it. (Weather stripping is best for components that move, like operable windows, and caulking for those that don’t move, like windows that don’t open.) Also consider applying temporary clear plastic window film to the inside of windows and patio doors. Come spring, it will be easy to remove. 

For cold air that creeps in at the bottom of doors, you can purchase a draft stopper “snake,” cover the area with a rolled-up towel, or install a screw-on, stick-on, or slip-on door sweep. They’re available at home centers and hardware stores for as low as $8. To keep chilly air from blowing through outlets and switch plates on exterior-touching walls, put foam gaskets behind them. You can buy an eight-pack for less than $10.

You’ll have to replace all of these products from time to time. “Weather sealing around doors does wear,” says Christine Ciavardini of MD Energy Advisors, which offers businesses and other organizations advice on energy choices. “Spending $10 to replace it can be impactful.”